Dual function clip device for an electronic device having a screen

ABSTRACT

A dual function clip device for use with an electronic device having a screen has a mount for receiving the electronic device; a clip mechanism constructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a clothing article of a user; and an arm movable relative to the mount between a closed position and at least one open position. A securement device is also provided for locking the arm in the at least one open position. When the arm is in an open position, the clip device is positioned to engage an upwardly facing flat surface, and the mount is oriented to support the electronic device in a viewing position to display the screen on the electronic device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention is generally related to a clip device for use withan electronic device having a screen. More specifically, the inventionrelates to a detachable, dual function clip device for carrying anelectronic device on a clothing article and for displaying the screen ofthe electronic device in a partially vertical or inclined viewingposition with respect to a flat surface.

2. Background

Manufacturing companies of portable, electronic devices, such ascellular phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), for example, areintegrating music and/or video capabilities into such devices. Also,many known music or MP3 players are incorporating video capabilities.The user may need to view the screen to watch a video and have the needto interact with the screen of the electronic device (e.g., using atouchpad, viewing incoming calls, viewing a clock feature).

Devices for carrying portable, electronic devices such as cell phonesand PDAs are known for removably attaching the electronic device to auser's body via a clip that is attached to a belt or an article ofclothing. These devices generally do not assist in displaying the screenof the electronic device.

Generally, if a user wanted to watch a video on a cell phone, forexample, the user is required to hold the phone in their hand or lean itagainst an object on a flat surface. Additionally, prior art devices fordisplaying electronic devices on the surface of a desk or a table, forexample, include easels or stands in which the electronic device isseated on or within a base. Other display devices include protectingcarrying cases having an opening in which the electronic device isremoved from the case and placed within the opening to verticallyposition the screen of the electronic device. One example of a clipdevice that may also serve as a stand is the “MyFi Belt Clip Stand” byDelphi.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention provides a dual function clip device for usewith an electronic device having a screen. The clip device comprises amount for receiving the electronic device. The clip mechanism isconstructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a clothingarticle of a user. A viewing position support mechanism comprises an armmovable relative to the mount between a closed position and at least oneopen position. The arm has an outer surface constructed and arranged tolie substantially flush with an outer surface of the clip mechanism whenin the closed position. The viewing position support mechanism furthercomprises a securement device for securing the arm in the at least oneopen position. The viewing position support mechanism is constructed andarranged such that the arm in the at least one open position ispositioned to engage an upwardly facing flat surface and orient themount for supporting the electronic device in an at least partiallyvertical viewing position to display the screen on the electronicdevice.

In one aspect of the invention, the arm further comprises a wheel with aplurality of ridges along at least part of the circumference thereof.The wheel is constructed to rotate about a pivotal axis. The clipmechanism further comprises a leaf spring. The leaf spring comprises atleast one lug constructed to cooperatively engage at least one ridge ofthe wheel, and the rotation of the arm about the pivot axis locks the atleast one lug within at least one ridge of the wheel to secure the armin the at least one open position.

In another aspect of the invention, the arm comprises a locking memberadjacent a pivot axis to secure the arm in the at least one openposition. In yet another aspect of the invention, the locking member isnear an end of the arm; the clip mechanism further comprises a pluralityof locking ridges on an inner surface, and the rotation of the arm aboutthe pivot axis to the at least one open position locks the end member ofthe arm within at least one of the locking ridges of the clip mechanism.

Another aspect of the invention provides an attachment device for aportable electronic device having a screen. The attachment devicecomprises a mount that is removably attached to the electronic device. Aclip mechanism is attached to the mount. The clip mechanism isconstructed and arranged to clip onto an edge of a clothing article. Aviewing position support mechanism comprises an arm that is rotatablerelative to the mount about a pivot axis between a closed position andat least one open position. The arm comprises a first lock memberadjacent the pivot axis for cooperatively engaging with a second lockmember associated with the clip mechanism. Upon rotation of the arm tothe at least one open position, the first lock member of the arm engagesthe second lock member of the clip mechanism to hold the arm at an anglewith respect to the mount, and, when the viewing position supportmechanism is positioned on an upwardly facing flat surface, the mount isoriented to display the screen of the electronic device at an angle withrespect to the surface.

Another aspect of the invention comprises a method for displaying ascreen of an electronic device using a clip device constructed andarranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a clothing article of a user,the method comprising: mounting an electronic device on a mount of aclip device; rotating an arm of a viewing position support mechanism ofthe clip device relative to the mount from a closed position to at leastone open position about a pivot axis; securing the arm in the at leastone open position by engaging a locking member with one of a pluralityof ridges associated with a clip mechanism; engaging the viewingposition support mechanism with an upwardly facing flat surface, andorienting the mount to display the screen of the electronic device in anat least partially vertical viewing position.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description, theaccompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 a-1 g illustrate a front, side, back, top, bottom, front plan,and back plan view, respectively, of a dual function clip device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed side view of the clip device of FIGS. 1a-1 g.

FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of an arm of the viewing position supportmechanism of the clip device of FIGS. 1 a-1 g.

FIG. 4 a illustrates a detailed view of a wheel with a plurality ofridges on the arm of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 b illustrates a detailed view of a leaf spring on a clipmechanism of the clip device of FIGS. 1 a-1 g.

FIG. 4 c illustrates a detailed view of a pin for pivotal movement ofthe arm of FIG. 3 about a pivot axis.

FIG. 4 d illustrates a detailed view of the interaction of the ridges,leaf spring, and pin of FIGS. 4 a-4 c.

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b illustrate a side view and a detailed side view,respectively, of the viewing position support mechanism of the clipdevice of FIGS. 1 a-1 g in a first position.

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b illustrate a side view and a detailed side view,respectively, of the viewing position support mechanism of the clipdevice of FIGS. 1 a-1 g in a third position.

FIGS. 7 a-7 g illustrate a front, side, back, top, bottom, front plan,and back plan view, respectively, of a dual function clip device inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8 a, 8 b, and 8 c illustrate a back, a sectional, and a detailedview of a clip mechanism of the clip device of FIGS. 7 a-7 g.

FIG. 8 d illustrates a side view of an arm of the viewing positionsupport mechanism of the clip device of FIGS. 7 a-7 g in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional, detailed side view of the viewingposition support mechanism of the clip device of FIGS. 7 a-7 g in athird position.

FIGS. 10 a and 10 b illustrate a side view and a back, plan view,respectively, of the clip device of FIGS. 1 a-1 g in a third positionwith an electronic device attached thereto in a partially verticalposition accordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 11 a and 11 b illustrate a side view and back, plan view of theclip device in a third position with an electronic device attachedthereto in an alternate partially vertical position in accordance withan embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a back, plan view of the clip device in a firstposition with an electronic device attached thereto in an alternatepartially vertical position in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 a-1 g illustrate a front, side, back, top, bottom, front plan,and back plan view, respectively, of a dual function clip device 10 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The clip device10 comprises a mount 12, clip mechanism 14 and viewing support mechanism18 with arm 16 The clip device 10 is a detachable device that may beused for carrying an electronic device on a user. Generally, the clipdevice 10 may be formed using processes such as injection molding. In anembodiment, the clip device 10 is preferably injection-molded plastic.

The mount 12 is designed to receive an electronic device (shown in FIGS.10 a-12) such as a cellular phone, PDA, MP3 player, etc., that has ascreen for displaying or viewing. In an embodiment, the mount 12comprises an attachment device 13 for connecting the electronic deviceto the clip device 10 for porting or carrying, for example. Theattachment device 13 also allows a user to detach the electronic devicefrom the clip device 10 (e.g., during use). In an embodiment, theattachment device 13 is a rotatable attachment device for allowing theuser to position and rotate the electronic device with respect to themount 12 (e.g., allowing the user to rotate the electronic device 360degrees). However, this structure is not intended to be limiting, andany retainer or attachment device suitable for releasably retaining anelectronic device may be used. For example, in an embodiment, the mount12 may be non-rotating, permanent, or made for other known electronicdevices such as a GPS device or satellite radio.

The clip mechanism 14 is attached to the mount 12 using an attachmentdevice 15. The attachment device 15 may securely lock the clip mechanism14 to the mount 12 via friction-fit or snap-fit, for example. In anembodiment, the attachment device 15 comprises locking arms 19. Thelocking arms 19 may be used to vertically slide the mount 12 paralleland adjacent to the surface 21 of the attachment device 15, such thatthe sides of the mount 12 are at least temporarily locked to the clipmechanism 14 via locking arms 19.

In an embodiment, the mount 12 is permanently locked to the clipmechanism 14. In an embodiment, a protrusion is provided on the mount12, such that as the mount 12 is slid into an interlocking relationshipwith attachment device 15, the protrusion of mount 12 will lock with arecess on attachment device 15. In an embodiment, the protrusion isnon-reversible, such that the mount 12 is locked with respect to theattachment device 15 and is not able to slide along the path ofinsertion. FIGS. 1 d and 1 e show an embodiment wherein the locking arms19 may be in the shape of a curl, for example. Thus, when the mount 12is slid into place, the locking arms 15 encapsulate the edges or sidesof the mount 12 and prevent the mount 12 from moving along any otheraxis. In an embodiment, the mount 12 may be interlocked to the clipmechanism 14 using any known mating or locking feature.

In an embodiment, the attachment device 15 of the clip mechanism 14 istemporarily locked to the clip mechanism 14, and is capable of beingdisengaged from the mount 12, such that numerous types of mounts 12 maybe attached to the clip mechanism 14, either during the manufacturingprocess or by a user, for example.

The clip mechanism 14 has front or outer surface 30 and back or innersurface 31. The clip mechanism 14 is constructed and arranged to cliponto a peripheral edge of a clothing article such as a belt or a shirtof a user via a hinge 22. The hinge 22 may be a spring-biased or aresilient, living hinge mechanism, for example. The hinge 22 is used topivotally open the clip mechanism 14 relative to the mount 12 such thata user may insert the clothing article in the clip mechanism 14. Thatis, the inner surface 31 pivots relative to or away from mount 12 suchthat an article of clothing may be inserted therebetween. The resilientaction of the clip will return the mechanism 14 to its original positionfor gripping the clothing article, for example. Preferably, in anembodiment, the clip mechanism 14 comprises a protruding surface 24 witha plurality of teeth 25 to provide a frictional gripping surface againstthe article of clothing.

The viewing support mechanism 18 comprises an arm 16. The arm 16 ismovable relative to the mount 12 between a closed position and at leastone open position. In an embodiment, the arm 16 is rotatable along apivot axis A using a pin 48 (further described with reference to FIG. 4c). The arm 16 is attached to the clip mechanism 14 via pin 48. Thus,the arm 16 also rotates relative to the clip mechanism 14. The arm 16has a front or outer surface 32 and a back or inner surface 33. In anembodiment, the inner surface 33 of the arm 16 includes a releasablelock 28 for releasably locking the arm 16 in a closed position with clipmechanism 14

(as shown in FIG. 1 a). In an embodiment, the arm 16 also has a grippingsurface 26. The gripping surface 26 may be provided as an aid to providea frictional surface for hingedly opening the clip mechanism 14 andattaching the clip device 10 to an article of clothing. Specifically,when the arm 16 is locked in the closed position, for example, the usercan push against the surface 26 to assist in opening the mechanism 14(i.e., via hinge 22). The gripping surface 26 may also be used to assistin easing the release of the lock 28 on the arm 16 from the top of theclip mechanism 14 when moving the arm into at least one of the openpositions.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface 32 of the arm 16 isconstructed and arranged to lie substantially flush with the outersurface 30 of the clip mechanism 14 when locked (e.g., via releasablelock 28) in the closed position. Thus, when a user attaches the clipdevice 10 to an article of clothing, the fronts or outer surfaces 30, 32of the clip mechanism 14 and arm 16 may be substantially flat against auser's body, for example. This advantageously allows the arm 16 to havea lower profile than if it protruded substantially from the clipmechanism.

The viewing position support mechanism 18 of the clip device 10 alsocomprises a securement device 20, as shown in detail in FIG. 2. Thesecurement device 20 is used to releasably lock the arm 16 with respectto the mount 12 and/or clip mechanism 14 in at least one open position.As will be further described, the securement device 20 may be releasablylocked at one or more angles, such that when the viewing positionsupport mechanism 18 may be positioned to engage an upwardly facing flatsurface such as a desk or a table top, the mount 12 of the clip device10 may be oriented to support the electronic device in an at leastpartially vertical viewing position to display the screen on theelectronic device (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 10 a-12).

The securement device 20 comprises a first lock member designed tocooperatively engage a second lock member. In an embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 2-4 d, the first lock member is provided adjacent the pivot axisA, and the second lock member is associated with the clip mechanism 14.

FIGS. 3 and 4 a-4 d illustrate an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment ofthe locking or securement device 20. FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view ofthe arm 16 comprising a first lock member or wheel 34. The wheel 34 maybe provided on the inner surface 33 of the arm 16, for example. In anembodiment, the wheel 34 is provided at an end of the arm 16. The wheel34 comprises a slot or opening 40 that is designed to receive pin 48therein and enable pivoting of the arm 16 relative to the clip mechanism14 and/or mount 12 along pivot axis A.

FIG. 4 a illustrates a detailed view of wheel 34 on the inner surface 33of the arm 16. As shown, the wheel 34 also comprises a circularprotrusion 35 and ridges 36 and 38. The circular protrusion 35 helpsguide an article of clothing in between the clip mechanism 14 (e.g.,along the back surface 31 of the clip mechanism towards hinge 22) suchthat a user is able to attach the clip mechanism 14 without snagging thearticle on the leaf spring 42 (see FIG. 4 b) or the ridges 36 and 38 ofthe wheel 34. The ridges 36 and 38 are used to lock the arm 16 withrespect to the clip mechanism 14 and/or mount 12 in a closed or openposition(s). Between each of the ridges 36 are detents 37 a-37 c. Ridge38 also comprises a detent 39. Ridge 38 and detent 39 are engaged whenthe arm 16 is in a closed position. Detents 37 a-37 c are provided tohold arm 16 at angles with respect to the clip mechanism 14 and/or mount12. For example, detent 37 a may correspond to holding arm 16 at anangle of 63 degrees with respect to the clip mechanism 14. Likewise,detents 37 b and 37 c may correspond to holding arm 16 at angles of 93and 123 degrees, respectively, with respect to the clip mechanism 14.Although three detents are shown, the number of ridges 36 and detents 37a-37 c and their corresponding angles should not be limiting. Forexample, wheel 34 may be formed such that it comprises one or moreridges and detents to hold the clip device 10 at any number of angles.The method of opening the arm into at least one of the angled positionsis described further with reference to FIGS. 4 d, 5 a-5 b, and 6 a-6 b.

FIG. 4 b illustrates a detailed view of the clip mechanism 14 comprisinga second lock member or a leaf spring 42. The leaf spring 42 is providedto extend from the inner surface 31 of the clip mechanism 14. In anembodiment, the leaf spring 42 is a split springboard, comprising twolugs 43 and a split opening or gap 44. The clip mechanism 14 alsocomprises openings 46 for receiving pin 48.

FIG. 4 c illustrates a detailed view of the pin 48 for connecting thearm 16 to the clip mechanism 14 and for pivoting the arm 16 about pivotaxis A. In an embodiment, pin 48 comprises protrusions 50 on one end ofthe pin 48. The protrusions may be formed from a material displacementmethod, for example, or any known method in the art. During assembly,the opening 40 in the arm 16 is aligned with the openings 46 in the clipmechanism 14. The pin 48 is then driven through the aligned openings 40,46 until the pin is securely provided within the clip mechanism 14. Byvirtue of the interference made between the protrusions 50 on the pin 48with the inside of the opening 46 in the clip mechanism 14, the pin 48is prevented from turning within or moving out of hole in the clipmechanism 14. Thus, the pin 48 is prevented from spinning, and the pin48 is rotatable around the axle A.

As shown in FIG. 4 d, when the arm 16 is attached to the clip mechanism14, the first and second lock members, or wheel 34 and leaf spring 42,are cooperatively engaged. When the arm 16 is in the closed position,the lugs 43 of the leaf spring 42 engage the first detent 39, and thecircular protrusion 35 of the wheel 34 extends into the gap 44 of theleaf spring 42. The lugs 43 are held in contact with the wheel 34 andheld in detent 39 by ridge 38. When the arm 16 is rotated to an openposition, the lugs 43 and circular protrusion 35 of the wheel 34 arerotated about pivot axis A. The lugs 43 of leaf spring 42 deflect fromthe closed position to the first open position, for example. The lugs 43rotate over at least one of the ridges 36 and into at least one of thedetents 37 a-37 c. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, when thearm 16 is rotated to a first position, the wheel 34 is rotated such thatthe lugs 43 are rotated over a first ridge 36 and the arm 16 is held ata first angle α (e.g., 63 degrees) with respect to the clip mechanism 14in detent 37 a. Similarly, the arm 16 may be rotated to engage any oneof the detents 37 b-37 c such that the arm is held at angles of 93 and123 degrees. For example, FIGS. 6 a and 6 b show the arm 16 engaged in athird position such that it is held at an angle β (e.g., 123 degrees).Thus, when a user positions the arm 16 of viewing position supportmechanism 18 on a flat surface (as shown and described in FIGS. 10a-12), the electronic device may be held at any one of a number ofpartially vertical or inclined viewing positions corresponding to one ofa number of angles.

FIGS. 7 a-7 g illustrate a front, side, back, top, bottom, front plan,and back plan view, respectively, of a dual function clip device 60 inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Similarlyto the clip device 10 described in FIGS. 1 a-1 h, the clip device 60 ofFIGS. 7 a-7 h comprises a mount 62, clip mechanism 64, and viewingposition support mechanism 68 with arm 66. Mount 62 comprises anattachment device 63 for attaching an electronic device thereto. Theattachment device 63 allows a user to detach the electronic device fromthe clip device 60 (e.g., during use). In an embodiment, the attachmentdevice 63 is a rotatable attachment device for allowing the user toposition and rotate the electronic device with respect to the mount 62(e.g., 360 degrees). However, this structure is not intended to belimiting, and any attachment device or retainer suitable for releasablyretaining any type of electronic device (e.g., GPS device or satelliteradio) may be used.

FIGS. 8 a-8 d illustrate parts of the viewing position support mechanism68 of the clip device 60. FIGS. 8 a, 8 b, and 8 c illustrate a back, asectional, and a detailed view of a clip mechanism 64 of the clip device60 of FIGS. 7 a-7 g. The clip mechanism 64 is attached to mount 62 usingattachment device 65. The attachment device 65 may comprise locking arms19 or other embodiments as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 a-1g. Clip mechanism 64 comprises a hinge 72 for opening the clip mechanism14 and protruding surface 74 with teeth 75 for gripping an article ofclothing therebetween. The hinge 72 may be a spring-biased, resilient,or living hinge mechanism, for example. The clip mechanism 64 also hasouter surface 80, inner surface 81, and innermost surface 82. The clipmechanism 64 is constructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral edgeof a clothing article such as a belt or a shirt of a user via a hinge72. The resilient action of the hinge 72 will return the clip mechanism64 to its original position for gripping a clothing article, forexample. The hinge 72 is also used in cooperation with the arm 66, so asto provide a force for locking the arm 66 in an open position, as willbe described below. The clip mechanism 64 may be held in frictionalcontact with the article of clothing using protruding surface 74 withteeth 75. The clip mechanism 64 also comprises openings 93 for receivingpin 98.

FIG. 8 d illustrates a side view of the arm 66 of viewing supportmechanism 68 of the clip device 60. The arm 66 of viewing supportmechanism 68 is movable relative to the mount 62 between a closedposition and at least one open position. In an embodiment, the arm 66 isattached to the clip mechanism 64 using a pin 98. After aligningopenings 93 of the clip mechanism 64 and opening 99 of the arm 66, pin98 is slid through the openings 93, 99 such that arm 66 is rotatablealong a pivot axis B. Thus, the arm 66 also rotates relative to the clipmechanism 64. The arm 66 has a front or outer surface 86 and a back orinner surface 87. In an embodiment, protrusions (such as protrusions 50on pin 48 shown in FIG. 4 c) are provided to prevent the pin 98 fromturning within or moving out of opening in the clip mechanism 14.

The viewing support mechanism 68 also comprises a securement device 70.As previously noted, the securement device 70 is used to releasably lockthe arm 66 with respect to the mount 62 and/or clip mechanism 64 in atleast one open position in at least one angle, such that when theviewing support mechanism 68 is positioned to engage an upwardly facingflat surface such as a desk or table top, the mount 62 of the clipdevice 60 is oriented to support an electronic device in an at leastpartially vertical viewing position to display the screen on theelectronic device (as shown in FIGS. 10 a-12).

FIG. 8 d shows an embodiment of the first lock member of the securementdevice 70 as a locking end member 94 on arm 66. The second lock memberof the securement device 70 comprises locking ridges 96 on clipmechanism 64. As shown in FIGS. 8 a-8 c, the locking ridges 96 areprovided on or within the innermost surface 82 of clip mechanism 64.Between each of the ridges 96 are detents 97, which, similarly to thedetents 37 a-37 c of FIGS. 4 a-4 d, allow a user to position the arm 66at any number of angles with respect to the clip mechanism 64.

When the arm 64 is locked in a closed position on clip mechanism 64(e.g., using lock 88 as shown in FIG. 7 b), the locking end member 94 ispositioned adjacent the inner surface 81 of the clip mechanism 64. Thus,the locking end member 94 is not cooperatively engaged with a surface orridge(s). When the arm 66 is rotated to an open position, the lockingend member 94 cooperatively engages at least one of the detents 97. Inan embodiment, the locking end member 94 of arm 66 is held in contactwith at least one of the detents 97 by an engagement force provided bythe hinge 72 of the clip mechanism 64. When in a first detent 97, forexample, the arm 66 may be locked in an open position that correspondsto hold arm 66 at an angle of 63 degrees with respect to the clipmechanism 64. Likewise, the additional detents 97 may correspond toholding arm 66 at angles of 93 and 123 degrees, respectively, withrespect to the clip mechanism 64. Although three detents are shown, thenumber of ridges 96 and detents 97 and their corresponding angles shouldnot be limiting. For example, the innermost surface 82 of the clipmechanism 64 may be formed such that it comprises one or more ridges anddetents to hold the clip device 60 at any number of angles.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional, detailed side view of the viewingposition support mechanism 68 of the clip device 60 locked by securementdevice 70 in a third position. The locking end member 94 of the arm 66engages the third detent 97 (between ridges 96) on the innermost surface82 of the clip mechanism 64. The user may then position the viewingsupport mechanism 68 or clip device 60 on a flat surface such that thescreen of the electronic device may be viewed, for example, as describedbelow.

FIGS. 10 a-11 b illustrate a side view and a back, plan view,respectively, of the clip device 10 of FIGS. 1 a-1 g in a third positionwith an electronic device 100 attached thereto. As noted above,electronic device 100 may comprise known, portable devices such as acellular (cell) phone, PDA, MP3 player, etc. Although FIGS. 10 a-12 aredescribed with respect to the clip device 10, clip device 60 may also bepositioned on a flat surface for viewing in a partially vertical orinclined position as described below.

The electronic device 100 is attached to the clip device 10 via mount12. The clip device 10 is then positioned in a partially vertical orinclined position with respect to surface 102. As shown, arm 16 of theviewing position support mechanism 18 is rotated along the pivot axis Ato a third position (i.e., the lugs 43 of the leaf spring 42 are movedto engage detent 37 c of wheel 34). To position the screen of theelectronic device 100 such that it is viewable, the viewing positionsupport mechanism 18 of the clip device 10 is positioned such that atleast a portion of the arm 16 is in contact with the flat surface 102.

As shown in FIGS. 10 a-10 b, the outer surface 32 of the arm 16 may bepositioned such that it faces and/or contacts the flat surface 102. Inanother embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 a-11 b, the user may positionthe viewing position support mechanism 18 of the clip device 10 suchthat the inner surface 33 of the arm 16 faces and/or contacts the flatsurface 102. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the user mayposition the clip device 10 such that a side of the arm 16 is in contactwith the flat surface 102.

In FIGS. 10 a-12, the electronic device 100 is positioned for viewingthe screen in a number of partially vertical or inclined positions.Thus, the clip devices 10, 60 may be oriented in any number of ways withrespect to a flat surface for viewing a screen of an electronic device100.

Additionally, the user may also rotate the electronic device 100 (e.g.in a clockwise or counterclockwise position) using the rotatableattachment device 13 of mount 12 (or device 63 of mount 62) to orientthe screen of the electronic device at any number of desired angles withrespect to the flat surface. In an embodiment, the device 10 may also becorrespondingly rotated to match the viewing preference of a user. Forexample, should the electronic device have a feature for sensing theorientation of the device, the electronic device may orient the screenor display horizontally or vertically, depending on a user's viewingpreference. For example, the electronic device may be rotated 90 degreeswith respect to the mount 12 or clip device 10 so as to turn the screenfrom a vertical to a horizontal position. Thus, the device 10 allows auser to view the screen according to such preferences.

The above embodiments of clip device 10 and 60 allow for a dual functionin that a user may use the clip devices 10, 60 to assist in allowing theuser to position an electronic device with respect to a flat surface andcarry the electronic device using the same devices 10, 60. Theelectronic devices are also detachable from clip devices 10, 60.Further, an embodiment of the clip devices 10, 60 allows a user torotate the electronic device in a clockwise or counterclockwiseposition, thus enabling one to view the screen at any number of anglesor positions (e.g., vertically or horizontally, partially vertical, orinclined position).

The devices 10, 60 also allow a user to position an electronic devicefor use. For example, a user may position the electronic device suchthat a speakerphone, microphone, or other hands-free feature may beoriented toward the location of the user.

Additionally, the devices 10, 60 allow the user to position an antennaof an electronic device (e.g., a cellular phone, GPS device, satelliteradio) in an at least partially vertical position so as to optimizereception.

While the principles of the invention have been made clear in theillustrative embodiments set forth above, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications may be made to thestructure, arrangement, proportion, elements, materials, and componentsused in the practice of the invention.

It will thus be seen that the objects of this invention have been fullyand effectively accomplished. It will be realized, however, that theforegoing preferred specific embodiments have been shown and describedfor the purpose of illustrating the functional and structural principlesof this invention and are subject to change without departure from suchprinciples. Therefore, this invention includes all modificationsencompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

1. A dual function clip device for use with an electronic device havinga screen, the clip device comprising: a mount for receiving theelectronic device; a clip mechanism constructed and arranged to cliponto a peripheral edge of a clothing article of a user; a viewingposition support mechanism comprising an arm movable relative to themount and the clip mechanism between a closed position and at least oneopen position, the arm having an outer surface constructed and arrangedto lie substantially flush with an outer surface of the clip mechanismwhen in the closed position; the viewing position support mechanismfurther comprising a securement device for securing the arm in the atleast one open position, and the viewing position support mechanismbeing constructed and arranged such that the arm in the at least oneopen position is positioned to engage an upwardly facing flat surfaceand orient the mount for supporting the electronic device in an at leastpartially vertical viewing position to display the screen on theelectronic device.
 2. A dual function clip device according to claim 1,wherein the arm further comprises a wheel with a plurality of ridgesalong at least part of the circumference thereof, the wheel constructedto rotate about a pivotal axis; the clip mechanism further comprises aleaf spring, the leaf spring comprising at least one lug constructed tocooperatively engage at least one ridge of the wheel, and the rotationof the arm about the pivot axis locks the at least one lug within atleast one ridge of the wheel to secure the arm in the at least one openposition.
 3. A dual function clip device according to claim 1, whereinthe arm comprises a locking member adjacent a pivot axis to secure thearm in the at least one open position.
 4. A dual function clip deviceaccording to claim 3, wherein the locking member is near an end of thearm, the clip mechanism further comprises a plurality of locking ridgeson an inner surface, and the rotation of the arm about the pivot axis tothe at least one open position locks the end member of the arm within atleast one of the locking ridges of the clip mechanism.
 5. A dualfunction clip device according to claim 4, wherein the clip mechanismfurther comprises a resilient hinge, and wherein the hinge provides anengagement force that assists in securing the end member of the armwithin the at least one locking ridge.
 6. A dual function clip deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the mount comprises a rotatable attachmentdevice that allows the electronic device to be rotated with respect tothe mount.
 7. A dual function clip device according to claim 1, whereinthe electronic device is removable with respect to the mount.
 8. A dualfunction clip device according to claim 1, wherein the clip mechanismfurther comprises a hinge that is spring-biased for clipping the clipdevice onto the clothing article.
 9. A dual function clip deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the clip mechanism further comprises aliving hinge for clipping the clip device onto the clothing article. 10.A dual function clip device according to claim 1, wherein the arm isreleasably locked with respect to the clip mechanism when in the closedposition.
 11. An attachment device for a portable electronic devicehaving a screen, the attachment device comprising: a mount for receivingthe electronic device; a clip mechanism attached to the mount, the clipmechanism constructed and arranged to clip onto an edge of a clothingarticle; a viewing position support mechanism comprising an arm that isrotatable relative to the mount and the clip mechanism about a pivotaxis between a closed position and at least one open position; the armcomprising a first lock member adjacent the pivot axis for cooperativelyengaging with a second lock member associated with the clip mechanism,and wherein, upon rotation of the arm to the at least one open position,the first lock member of the arm engages the second lock member of theclip mechanism to hold the arm at an angle with respect to the mount,and, when the viewing position support mechanism is positioned on anupwardly facing flat surface, the mount is oriented to display thescreen of the electronic device at an angle with respect to the surface.12. An attachment device according to claim 11, wherein the first lockmember comprises a locking member that is rotatable about the pivotaxis, and the second lock member comprises a plurality of lockingridges.
 13. An attachment device according to claim 11, wherein thefirst lock member comprises a wheel with a plurality of ridges along atleast part of the circumference thereof, the wheel constructed to rotateabout the pivot axis, and the second lock member comprises a leafspring, the leaf spring comprising at least one lug constructed tocooperatively engage at least one ridge of the wheel.
 14. An attachmentdevice according to claim 11, wherein the arm has an outer surfaceconstructed and arranged to lie substantially flush with an outersurface of the clip mechanism when in the closed position.
 15. Anattachment device according to claim 14, wherein the arm is releasablylocked with respect to the clip mechanism.
 16. An attachment deviceaccording to claim 11, wherein the mount comprises a rotatableattachment device that allows the electronic device to be rotated withrespect to the mount.
 17. An attachment device according to claim 11,wherein the electronic device is removable with respect to the mount.18. A method for displaying a screen of an electronic device using aclip device constructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of aclothing article of a user, the clip device comprising a mount, a clipmechanism, and a viewing position support mechanism constructed andarranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a clothing article of a user,the method comprising: mounting an electronic device on the mount of theclip device; rotating an arm of the viewing position support mechanismof the clip device relative to the mount and the clip mechanism from aclosed position to at least one open position about a pivot axis;releasably securing the arm in the at least one open position byengaging a locking member with one of a plurality of ridges associatedwith a clip mechanism; and engaging the viewing position supportmechanism with an upwardly facing flat surface and orienting the mountto display the screen of the electronic device in an at least partiallyvertical viewing position relative to the upwardly facing flat surface.